Cerebral palsy is a condition that causes a variety of symptoms and severity of symptoms depending on the individual. Some may have increased muscle tone, others decreased. Some children may be affected on only one side of the body, others only in the leg. Learn more about the many ways in which cerebral palsy types can be classified based on symptoms and severity.

The underlying cause of all cases of cerebral palsy is damage that disrupts the brain’s development. What causes this damage varies by individual and in some cases may not be known. Learn more about the factors that can cause early brain damage and cerebral palsy, like maternal infections or birth injuries, so that you can take steps to prevent it.

The symptoms of cerebral palsy can vary widely depending on the individual, the type of cerebral palsy and the severity of the brain damage that caused it. The most common symptoms are related to movement and motor function. It is important for parents to know the signs of cerebral palsy so an early diagnosis can be made, followed by treatments and interventions.